Introduction

AUSD is a diverse and accepting school district. Yet recent policy changes implemented at the federal level have left some families feeling uncertain of their status in our school district and community. We created this page to better provide information to our immigrant families.

AUSD Statement on Proposed End to DACA

AUSD's Support of DACA "Dreamers"

On September 5, 2017 the federal government announced the president’s decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This program currently protects “Dreamers” -- young, undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors -- from being deported.

We realize this announcement may be causing some anxiety among our families. Please know that the president’s announcement will have no immediate effect. In addition,the governor of California has pledged to protect DACA recipients, saying, “These students embody the American dream. Their hard work, energy, dedication, and diverse background help them contribute to our economy, while adding to the rich cultural heritage that makes California a dynamic global leader.”

AUSD also remains steadfastly committed to providing safe haven and support services to immigrant families. AUSD is a Safe Haven school district. We deeply value the presence and contributions of all of our families. We sincerely believe Everyone Belongs Here. We will do everything possible to support the students, staff, and family members in our community who are DACA recipients.

You can learn more about our status as a Safe Haven School District and find other resources on this page.

DACA Resources

Immigrant Rights

The Association of California School Administrators and the law firm of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP recently published "Undocumented Students and Families: The Facts." This easy-to-understand guide covers such topics as undocumented students' rights to an education and staff rights to protect student records. Es en espanolaqui.

AUSD is a Safe Haven District

On January 24, 2017 Board of Education voted 5-0 to approve a resolution declaring AUSD a "safe haven" district. The resolution is below, along with Superintendent McPhetridge's letter home to families about his commitment to accepting and protecting all students.

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January 18: DACA Renewal Information

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the agency is accepting DACA renewal applications from certain individuals at this time.

It is extremely important that any individual who needs to file a DACA renewal application and did not do so prior to October 5,2017 do so immediately. This is because the federal government is trying to reverse the recent federal court order that it continue to accept DACA renewal applications. Should that court order be reversed, the renewal process will be closed immediately. That could happen in a matter of days. (Presumably, if the process is closed by court order, all renewal applications in the pipeline will be dealt with according to the procedures in place at this time.)

Here are the current rules and explanations for who may renew at this time:

If your DACA expired on or after September 5, 2017, you may send DACA renewal applications to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.. This means you must fill out the latest versions of Form I-821D, Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765WS Worksheet.

If your DACA expired before September 5, 2016, you must reapply through an initial application, not renew. Everyone must include the date your DACA expired or will expire on Part 1 of the Form I-821D.

No new or first-time DACA applications will be accepted by USCIS.

Requests for advance parole from DACA recipients will not be accepted.

The official page on the USCIS website with links to the relevant forms for each category of renewal applicant is here. Please note that the 2016 dates found in the announcement appear to be a typo.

Alameda is a Sanctuary City

At its meeting on January 17, 2017 Alameda City Councilmembers voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that reaffirms the City of Alameda’s commitment as a Sanctuary City to the values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or immigration status. You can learn more about the resolution in thisjoint press release from the City of Alameda and Alameda Unified School District.

School Smarts Academy

The School Smarts academy is designed to help parents learn very tangible ways in which they can help children and school succeed. Through this seven-week program parents gain a better understanding of how public schools are operated, funded and organized to serve children. The materials are translated into Alameda's top five languages: Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Arabic. School-age childcare (5+), and a light snack is provided. There is no cost to attend. You can find more information here.